The Dodge County Sheriff's Office has had a drug drop box available to the public since August, 2013 upon obtaining a grant that was offered by The National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI).  This allows citizens the opportunity to deposit unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs.  The box is checked daily and the contents are collected and prepared for disposal that is eco-friendly in accordance with federal and state laws. 

This program not only helps to protect the environment but it can also deter the usage of prescription drugs by unintended parties, including young people facing peer pressure and new ways to "get high".   The Dodge County Sheriff's Office constantly strives to be proactive in enhancing public safety and saving lives. 

This program was designed to significantly reduce the prescription drugs in American homes that are either no longer needed or are outdated.  These same drugs unfortunately have become the target of theft and misuse, oftentimes by people who have access to the residence.  America’s 12 to 17 year olds have made prescription drugs the number one substance of abuse for their age group and much of that supply is unwittingly coming from the medicine cabinets of their parents, grandparents and friends.  More and more adults recognize the need to remove these substances from the home and legally and safely turn them over to law enforcement for proper chain of custody and court ordered destruction.

When prescription medications are taken incorrectly or abused there are substantial health risks involved. 

Proper disposal of prescription medications can help prevent drug abuse by decreasing the availability.  Prescription medications should not be flushed down the toilet or thrown into the garbage.  Studies show that these methods create environmental risks, especially to the drinking water.  When you have medications that are no longer needed or past the expiration date you can dispose of them in the drug drop box in the lower level of the Dodge County Sheriff's Office.

MEDICATION DISPOSAL PROCEDURE:
Remove pills from the original container and put them in a sealed zip-loc bag before placing them into the drug drop box.  Empty pill bottles may be disposed of in your home recycling or in the waste container next to the drug drop box.  Liquid medications should remain in original bottles. Medications can be prescription or over the counter, unused and/or expired.

Items not allowed in drug drop box:
Sharps (Needles, syringes, lancets, etc.)  There is a Sharps drop box on top of the drug drop box for these items.
Chemical waste/mercury products
Electronic glucose monitors
Non-medical inhalers
Commercial/business/long-term care deposits

Remember:

• Secure your medications and know who has access to your medicine cabinet.
• It is a criminal offense to share prescription medications, even with a family member.
• It is not acceptable to flush or throw medication away.  Please use local disposal drop off sites.